I Will Use All My Strength and Vigour to Work for the People of Abia North If Elected — Bishop Okoronkwo

IKE Bishop Okoronkwo, popularly known as IBO, has pledged to use all his strength and vigour to serve the people of Abia North if elected senator in the 2027 general elections.

Okoronkwo made the pledge on Monday during the unveiling of his campaign organisation, campaign council and legislative agenda at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State.

The event was held under the theme, “O Zoula, Zukwanu Ike! Enough Is Enough — Let’s Take Back Abia North!”

The ADC senatorial aspirant said his ambition was driven by the need for improved representation, economic opportunities and sustainable development across the five local government areas of Abia North.

He maintained that political representation should be measured by its impact on people’s lives, the opportunities created and the development delivered, rather than political titles or years spent in office.

Outlining his legislative priorities, Okoronkwo identified education, economic prosperity, agriculture, women’s inclusion and infrastructure as key areas of focus.

Under his proposed ABIA NORTH ARISE initiative, which stands for Agribusiness, Resilient Enterprises, Innovation and Sustainable Employment, he pledged to dedicate 80 per cent of his eligible personal Senate earnings and income to empowerment initiatives, subject to applicable laws and a transparent accountability framework.

He also proposed supporting 5,000 people into enterprise and mobilising 10,000 job and livelihood opportunities over four years.

On agriculture, Okoronkwo said he would pursue partnerships and legislative interventions to improve farmers’ access to finance, modern farming techniques, processing facilities and markets. He disclosed that his team had begun discussions with potential development partners, with an ambition to mobilise at least $5 million in eligible agricultural and enterprise investment, subject to project viability and the approval of the relevant partners.

On infrastructure, he pledged to advocate the rehabilitation of priority roads across Abia North, particularly in Ohafia, Abam, Isuikwuato and Acha. He also promised to engage relevant institutions to explore electricity solutions for underserved communities.

Addressing the poverty challenges confronting the district, Okoronkwo called for greater accountability from public officeholders, arguing that representation should be judged by measurable development outcomes.

He said he was not entering the race to trade insults with the incumbent senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, but to offer what he described as an alternative approach focused on economic empowerment, quality education, infrastructure and sustainable prosperity.

“The time has come to change the conversation, change the priorities and change the outcomes,” he said.

At the event, Okoronkwo unveiled his campaign council, with Ugochukwu Uwaeke named Director-General and Major Kalu Agwu (rtd.) as Deputy Director-General.

Other members include Barr. Reginald Nwokocha, Director of Finance; Chief Orji Awa Kalu, Director of Operations; Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani, Director of Stakeholder Engagement; Nwaobi Victoria Oby, Director of Support Groups and Special Groups; Blessing Williams, Women Leader; Chukwudi Ogbunde, Youth Leader; and Nneka Torti, Director of Media.

The announced local government coordinators are Hon. Uwakwe Okereke (DCC rtd.) for Arochukwu; Igwe Amos Onyekachi for Isuikwuato; Hon. Prince Okwara Ukwa Agwu for Ohafia; Hon. Chigozie K. Igbo for Umunneochi; and Ikechukwu Eze for Bende.

Okoronkwo urged youths, women, farmers, traders, professionals and community leaders to join his movement, emphasising that his proposed representation would prioritise legislation, strategic partnerships, effective oversight and accountability.

He said he would not promise to solve every problem facing Abia North but would work towards ensuring that public resources and development partnerships deliver tangible benefits to the people.

He concluded by calling on residents to embrace what he described as performance-driven leadership, declaring: “O Zuola, Zukwanu Ike! Enough Is Enough — Let’s Take Back Abia North!”